"I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the horrific
massacre that occurred today at Sandy Hook Elementary School in
Newtown, Conn.

"All of Illinois prays for the victims of this
senseless violence and their families. May God bless the
immortal souls of all those who lost their lives. In their
remembrance, I have ordered all flags across Illinois to be
flown at half-staff beginning today.

"We know firsthand from the tragedy that took place on Feb.
14, 2008, in a classroom at Northern Illinois University that
guns have no place in any school, at any time, anywhere in
Illinois or America.

"It is the foremost duty of government to protect public
safety, especially the safety of children and students.

"As governor and as a parent, I intend to spearhead passage
of strict laws that will protect our children and the people of
Illinois from gun violence."

The governor ordered that all people or entities covered by
the
Illinois Flag Display Act immediately fly flags at
half-staff honoring victims of the tragedy in Newtown.

[Text from
news release from the Illinois Government News Network; LDN]